At a time when a high school diploma and further postsecondary education or training is vital to getting a job in the knowledge-based economy, the U.S. Department of Education's monthly TV show will offer tips for parents and community strategies that work in a broadcast entitled, "Dropout Prevention: Helping All Students Get on Track for Success."

The program will be carried from 8 to 9 p.m. ET Tuesday on the Dish Network, dozens of PBS stations and numerous cable outlets. Others, including The Learning Channel, will broadcast the show on a tape-delayed basis. A complete listing of viewing options is available at www.ed.gov/edtv. In addition, the program will be available as an archived webcast at www.connectlive.com/events/ednews/.

The program will examine:

• How will the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind help solve the dropout epidemic?

• How are graduation rates currently reported and how will graduation rate reform help keep states and districts accountable for results?

• What is the "Silent Epidemic" and how does it affect America's competitiveness?

• How will the newly proposed Pell Grants for Kids initiative help eliminate America's inner-city high school "dropout factories"?

• What do successful dropout prevention and recovery programs look like across the country?

• In what ways can schools better prepare students for the rigors of high school and college? And,

• What programs are available to help at-risk students who face academic challenges or need additional help and support to succeed in school?

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings will open the show with a taped greeting, followed by a live appearance by Jay Smink, executive director of the National Dropout Prevention Center/Network, and Debra Duardo, director of dropout prevention and recovery with the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Also appearing will be Laurel Dukehart, director of the Gateway to College National Network at Portland Community College in Portland, Ore., which serves at-risk youth, ages 16-20, who have dropped out of school.

Other guests include: Alexis Daley, student at Portland Community College; and Joseph R. Radelet, vice president for mentoring programs with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

The Education News Parents Can Use TV series airs monthly during the school year.

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